Dalian's Hidden Gem: Huanan Square's Hanting Hotel Luxury Redefined!
Dalian's Hidden Gem or a Luxury Mirage? My Honest Take on Hanting Hotel Huanan Square
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea (and maybe some instant coffee) on the Hanting Hotel in Huanan Square, Dalian. They claim luxury redefined, and frankly, I’m still deciphering if they truly delivered, or if I stumbled into a slightly more polished Holiday Inn. I'm going to be brutally honest, because that's how I roll.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Like My Love Life
Let’s get this out of the way first, because it's crucial. According to the provided information they seem to have "Facilities for disabled guests" but that doesn't tell me much. I'm going to be honest, I didn't get a chance to see. So I can't give a definitive answer. More often than not, 'facilities' can mean anything from a slightly wider doorway to a full-blown elevator. It's a minefield, friends. If you have specific needs, PLEASE call ahead and get DETAILED confirmation. Don't rely on me, I'm just a wandering soul with a laptop and a penchant for good soup.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic Panic Mode? (Mostly Good!)
Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the pandemic. Hanting Hotel clearly took it seriously. High marks for the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, and the fact that staff probably bathed in hand sanitizer. I saw Hand sanitizers everywhere, Mask etiquette being followed without the need for a scolding, and generally felt, you know, safe. They’ve even got the room sanitization opt-out available, which I found… oddly comforting? Like, “Hey, if you really trust your immune system…”
I did feel a little bit on edge leaving the room for the first day but quickly adjusted, and the fact they had so many precautions made it a comfort, not a concern.
The Room: A Glimmer of Glamour…with a Few Quirks (and a Missing Remote!)
My room? Surprisingly decent. The Blackout curtains were fantastic, crucial after a long travel day. I got a high floor room, which meant a great view of… well, the surrounding buildings, but hey, at least they were shiny! The Air conditioning was a godsend, because Dalian can get surprisingly humid. The bathrobes were plush, the slippers were comfortable.
Now for the quirks. The Internet access – wireless was free, as promised. The Wi-Fi [free] was reliable, thank goodness. But the TV? Let’s just say the struggle was real. I think the remote went on strike, or perhaps it vanished into the parallel universe of lost hotel remotes. I ended up using my phone for everything, which wasn’t ideal. I did have satellite/cable channels, at least.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure… Sometimes More Adventurous Than I Wanted
The Breakfast [buffet] was… an experience! Asian breakfast was very much a thing, with the usual buffet of noodles and rice, and Western breakfast of eggs and bacon, which I personally did not enjoy, I thought the bacon was dry. But Coffee/tea in restaurant was a constant. Coffee shop was a life saver. I tried the restaurant. The a la carte in restaurant felt pricey, but they offered vegetarian restaurant options which I thought was nice.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks and the Pains
Concierge was actually super helpful. They went above and beyond to sort out a (minor) problem with my booking. The Daily housekeeping was efficient and friendly, but the doorman seemed slightly confused on my second morning, which lead to what I am now calling the "Morning of the Lost Luggage". A moment of panic when I couldn't find my bag as I left the room, but thanks to a quick and efficient response from reception, it was solved in about fifteen minutes.
Then there’s the convenience store! (I was saved more than once for a snack). Laundry service was perfect, and the dry cleaning was very prompt. The meeting/banquet facilities seemed pretty busy. The elevator ran like a well-oiled machine. I wasn't able to use them, but the facilities for disabled guests seems to be there.
Things To Do, Ways To Relax: Spa Dreams and Fitness Fumbles Okay, let's talk about the spa. They provide a range of services which included body scrub, body wrap, massage, sauna, and a steamroom. It was a beautiful, albeit slightly dated, experience. It was nice to take Foot bath.
For those who want to keep up with their gym routine, the gym was a reasonable size and well-equipped - including fitness center. And I loved the Pool with view!
Things that are missing:
- The hotel does not allow pets.
- No place for proposals.
The Verdict: Worth it? Mostly.
So, is the Hanting Hotel in Huanan Square a true luxury experience? It depends on your definition. It's certainly not the Ritz, but it's a solid, well-maintained hotel with a lot of positives. It’s well-located, clean, and the staff are genuinely trying. The quirks are there, but the good outweighs the bad. I’d recommend it, with the caveat, check on the remote situation. And, please, confirm accessibility needs before you book.
Batumi's BEST Luxury Apartments: Orbi City LUX Awaits!
Alright, buckle up Buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously color-coded itinerary. We're plunging headfirst into the glorious, messy, and potentially stomach-rumbling adventure that is… the Hanting Hotel Dalian Huanan Square, China! (And yes, I'm already feeling a tad overwhelmed, but in a good way, like facing a mountain of dumplings).
The "Plan" (More of a Suggestion, Really):
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Dumpling Dreams
10:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC). Pray to the travel gods that my luggage actually makes it this time. Seriously, last time I landed in Prague without my suitcase, and let's just say, the "Prague Fashion Week" I attended consisted of me wearing an oversized hotel bathrobe. Humiliating.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Struggle to find the airport transport to Hanting Hotel Dalian Huanan Square. Google Maps, bless its glitchy little heart, will likely betray me. End up wandering around like a lost puppy, probably sweating from a combination of the humidity and sheer panic. Might accidentally end up on a bus going to, who knows where? Embrace the chaos!
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Check into Hanting. Pray the room doesn't smell like stale cigarettes and despair. Deep breaths. Actually, maybe I should pack some essential oils. Lavender? Eucalyptus? Or just the strongest air freshener I can find.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Great Dumpling Hunt Begins! I've heard Dalian is dumpling heaven. My mission: Find the BEST dumplings. Local recommendation? A hidden gem? The quest is on! This could be a make-or-break moment. I hope the language barrier doesn't derail my culinary adventure. Maybe I'll print out a picture of a dumpling and point aggressively.
2:00PM - 4:00PM: Back to the hotel for some relaxation. I've heard that Dalian also has some neat parks. Consider this time for getting a massage.
4:00PM - 6:00 PM: Explore Huanan Square. Wander aimlessly (my specialty). Soak up the atmosphere. Take a million photos (because, Instagram, duh). Observe the locals. Try to decipher (attempt to) the local street signs. If someone offers me tea, smile and accept. It's probably a good omen.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner! Time for more dumplings, and maybe a daring culinary adventure. Perhaps try something I can't even pronounce. Embrace the unknown. I’m going to be adventurous, I swear!
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Collapse in hotel room. Plop myself in front of the TV. Discover the glorious world of dubbed Chinese dramas. Become instantly and irrationally obsessed. Probably fall asleep mid-episode because jet lag is a cruel mistress.
Day 2: Seashore Shenanigans and Fishy Disasters (Maybe)
**9:00 AM: ** Wake up (maybe). Groan about the fact that my internal clock is still screaming "Prague Time." Drag myself out of bed.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Find breakfast! (Preferably something not involving congee, because, well, I'm still not a fan). Maybe some toast. Or even better, find a local bakery and attempt to order something using my broken Mandarin skills. Prepare for hilarity.
10:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Head to to the beach! I hope. I've heard Dalian has some beautiful coastline. Research which beach is easiest to get to. Then, prepare for transit. Attempt to decipher local bus routes. Get completely lost (more likely than not). End up somewhere completely unexpected (and possibly delightful). Take a million photos of the sea.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch (hopefully with a view of the sea, if I ever actually make it to the beach). Seafood? Probably. Fishy? Potentially. Delicious? Praying to the culinary gods.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Shower. Take a nap. I deserve it. My feet are already aching. This traveling thing? Exhausting but amazing.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Explore the shopping area. Hopefully find some souvenirs. It's always helpful when you bring something back!
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner, I'm going to try the fishy food for dinner. I hope it's not bad!
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Go to bed. Exhausted. Feeling like I've truly lived.
Day 3: Museums and Departure (Or, The Day My Spirit Animal is a Tourist)
9:00 AM (again): Breakfast. At this point, the hotel breakfast is probably a buffet, I'll be completely disoriented. Load up on carbs. I need fuel for adventure!
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Try, and I mean try, to visit a museum. The Dalian Modern Museum sounds interesting, right? Maybe I'll learn some history. Or, maybe I'll just wander around, mildly confused, and accidentally walk into a gift shop. Either way, it's all good.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Last Lunch. Gotta make it count! Maybe return to that dumpling place. Or, be daring and try a completely different dish. Go big or go home.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Pack. Realize I have way too many souvenirs and not enough clean underwear. Panic.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Check out of the Hanting Hotel. Say a sad goodbye to the questionable but ultimately endearing charm (and air conditioning).
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Navigate the airport transit again. Pray to the travel gods, once more, that this time my luggage does not decide to go to a different country.
6:00 PM (ish): Depart Dalian. Reflect on the glorious mess that was my trip. Miss dumplings already. Swear to return.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
Okay, so this isn't a perfect plan. Far from it. There will be bumps. There will be frustrations. There will probably be moments where I just want to curl up in a ball and cry. But, there will also be moments of pure, unadulterated joy. Moments where I'll discover something new, laugh until my stomach hurts, and maybe, just maybe, learn a thing or two about myself.
This itinerary is just a springboard. A starting point. The real adventure is in the unexpected moments. The unplanned detours. The delicious and potentially disastrous food choices. And the sheer, glorious, messy humanity of it all. Let's do this. Wish me luck!
Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Hanting Premium Hotel Youjia Review (Caolu Institute Near!)
Huanan Square's Hanting Hotel: Luxury...or Hype? Let's Dive In (Messy Style!)
Okay, spill the tea! What's the *actual* vibe of this place? Is it REALLY "luxury redefined?"
Ugh, alright, buckle up. "Luxury redefined" is what they *say*. My honest take? It's...complicated. Look, the lobby? Stunning. Like, seriously Instagram-worthy. Think chandeliers, polished marble, the whole nine yards. *But*... and this is a big but... it kind of felt like the luxury was layered *on*. It's like they took a perfectly good Hanting, threw a ton of fancy stuff at it, and hoped it magically transformed into a Four Seasons. Sometimes, it kinda works. Other times? You can *feel* the budget stretching thin.
Example: That marble? Gorgeous. The air conditioning in the room though? Sounded like a grumpy walrus. Seriously, a walrus giving birth to a very loud baby. It's this push and pull between "Wow!" and "Oh, dear."
Let's talk rooms. Are they actually spacious? Because hotel room claustrophobia is a *real* thing.
Spacious? Depends on the room you snagged and your definition of "spacious." I splurged on a suite (because, you know, I wanted to *experience* the full "luxury"). Verdict? Decent size. The bedroom itself was great, enough room to actually *walk* around the bed. The living area, however, felt a bit… sterile. Like a doctor's waiting room. Not cozy. And the desk? Tiny. Barely enough space for my laptop and the (essential) snacks I'd smuggled in. Seriously, I needed to write a postcard on my knee! Talk about a luxury fail.
Now, my friend Sarah, who went for a standard room, was a little less thrilled. Said it felt a tad… snug. (A slightly too-polite way of saying "cramped," if you ask me.)
What about the service? Clumsy staff? Attentive staff? Give it to me straight!
Okay, the service… it's a mixed bag, to be frank. You get the feeling they *want* to be attentive. They *try*. But sometimes...there's a bit of a disconnect. Like, they're *trained* to be polite, but the genuine warmth and intuition you sometimes get at higher-end hotels? Missing.
One time, I rang for room service. Simple order: coffee and a croissant. Took them… forever. Then the coffee was lukewarm. And the croissant? Stale. I mean, come on people! That's basic hotel stuff! But then, the next day, the concierge was incredibly helpful with directions and restaurant recommendations. So… swings and roundabouts.
Also, a word of warning – language barriers can be a thing. Brush up on your Mandarin (or Google Translate!) if you want to avoid a few frustrating moments.
Is the location any good? Huanan Square… is that convenient for stuff?
Location, location, location! Huanan Square... well, it's alright. It's not smack-dab in the middle of the action, but it's reasonably close to transport links (taxis, buses, etc.). Plus, there are shops and restaurants nearby. I actually wandered around Huanan Square itself one afternoon. It's a bit of a strange place - giant statues, and this weird, slightly deserted vibe. But it does offer a good look into local life.
The real bonus is you're not in the *absolute* thick of the tourist hustle and bustle. Which is a HUGE plus in my book. But if you're dead set on being right next to Xinghai Square, you'll need a taxi (or a very long walk).
The food! BREAKFAST? Is the buffet worthy of a hotel advertising luxury?
Ugh, breakfast. The make-or-break, right? Okay. The buffet... was. Okay. It had the usual spread: scrambled eggs (a bit… rubbery), various pastries (some good, some…questionable), some sad-looking fruit. The coffee? Standard hotel coffee. I'm not going to lie, I was a little disappointed. After expecting luxury, I was hoping for a croissant that actually *crunched*, and eggs that weren't fighting back.
The saving grace? They had a noodle station where you could get noodles made fresh. Those were actually pretty delicious. So, if you're a noodle person… you're in luck. Otherwise? Lower your expectations accordingly. Expect the average.
And THIS is where one thing went from bad to worse. One morning, I decided to get some juice. I went to the juice bar which was manned by a young lady. I asked for orange juice. She looked confused and offered me green juice. I shook my head. She shrugged, then grabbed what seemed to be pre-made orange juice from a cooler. I thought, "Okay, whatever." Then, she poured the juice... and it had chunks in it. Like, BIG chunks. I'm talking pulp on steroids. I was so repulsed, I swore off breakfast there and then. My first impression was that their luxury budget was in the bathroom, so they could avoid better food options.
Any 'hidden gem' facilities to be aware of? Like, a killer spa or pool?
Hmmm… hidden *gems*? Not really. There *is* a gym. I peeked in. Looked pretty standard. Didn’t use it because... well, I’m on holiday and that's a no.
No pool. No spa. So if you're a pool-and-pampering kind of person, this place is not going to blow your mind.
The Bottom Line: Should I stay at the Hanting Hotel in Huanan Square?
Look, here's the deal. Don't go expecting true, world-class luxury. Go expecting a perfectly *decent* hotel, with some nice features, and a few… quirks. Don't go expecting perfect service, or an amazing breakfast, and be prepared for minor inconveniences. Prepare for some gorgeous things, some average things, and some things that just don't work.
If you can get a good deal and don't mind a few bumps along the way, then sure, it's fine. I wouldn't avoid it. But, if I had the money, and was willing to spend more, I would consider a different optionHidden Stay
